Dive into the fascinating world of chemistry through the lens of cinema with our curated list of biopics about chemists. These films not only showcase the scientific achievements of these remarkable individuals but also delve into their personal lives, struggles, and triumphs. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply love a good story, these films offer a unique blend of education and entertainment, highlighting the human side of scientific discovery.

Madame Curie (1943)
Description: An older but still relevant biopic about Marie Curie, this film explores her scientific journey and personal life, showcasing her determination and the challenges she faced as a woman in science.
Fact: Greer Garson, who played Curie, was nominated for an Academy Award. The film was one of the first to depict a female scientist's life.


A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Description: Although centered on mathematician John Nash, his work in game theory has applications in chemistry, particularly in understanding complex systems. The film explores his struggle with schizophrenia.
Fact: Russell Crowe was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance. The film was adapted from Sylvia Nasar's biography of Nash.


The Prestige (2006)
Description: Although not a traditional biopic, this film involves Nikola Tesla, whose work in electricity and magnetism has applications in chemistry. It's a tale of rivalry and obsession with scientific discovery.
Fact: David Bowie portrayed Tesla. The film was directed by Christopher Nolan.


The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)
Description: While primarily about mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, his work had implications in chemistry, particularly in crystallography. The film captures his genius and his struggle with cultural and academic barriers.
Fact: Dev Patel played Ramanujan, earning critical acclaim. The film was shot in Cambridge, where Ramanujan studied.


Oppenheimer (2023)
Description: This upcoming film by Christopher Nolan focuses on J. Robert Oppenheimer, whose work on the Manhattan Project had profound implications for nuclear chemistry. It promises to delve into his complex character and scientific legacy.
Fact: Cillian Murphy is set to play Oppenheimer. The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book "American Prometheus."


The Imitation Game (2014)
Description: Alan Turing's story, while focused on his contributions to computer science, also touches on his work in chemistry, particularly in the development of early computing machines used in chemical research.
Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Turing was widely acclaimed. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards.


The Theory of Everything (2014)
Description: While primarily focusing on Stephen Hawking's life, this film also touches on his work in theoretical physics, which has significant implications for chemistry. It's a poignant portrayal of a brilliant mind battling physical limitations.
Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for his role as Stephen Hawking. The film was shot in Cambridge, where Hawking worked.


The Theory of Everything (2014)
Description: While primarily focusing on Stephen Hawking's life, this film also touches on his work in theoretical physics, which has significant implications for chemistry. It's a poignant portrayal of a brilliant mind battling physical limitations.
Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for his role as Stephen Hawking. The film was shot in Cambridge, where Hawking worked.


Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge (2016)
Description: This French film captures the life of Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win in multiple sciences, including Chemistry. It highlights her groundbreaking work on radioactivity.
Fact: The film was released in the year marking the 150th anniversary of Curie's birth. It was directed by Marie Noëlle.


The Professor and the Madman (2019)
Description: This film tells the story of James Murray, who compiled the Oxford English Dictionary, but it also touches on the contributions of William Chester Minor, whose work in chemistry influenced his later life.
Fact: Mel Gibson and Sean Penn star in this film. It was based on Simon Winchester's book.
